Blatter criticizes Brazil's World Cup preparations

FIFA president, Sepp Blatter has criticized Brazil for the way and manner the host nation of the next world cup has made preparations towards the tournament saying he cannot remember a World Cup host nation falling as far behind with their preparations as Brazil have.

In an interview with Lausanne-based newspaper 24 Heures Blatter said "Brazil has just found out what it means and has started work much too late,". 

"No country has been so far behind in preparations since I have been at FIFA even though it is the only host nation which has had so much time, seven years, in which to prepare."

Brazil's President, Rousseff however reacted with a statement on twitter stating that "the demand for tickets, the greatest for any World Cup, shows supporters in the whole world have confidence in Brazil,".

"We love football and we will receive this Cup with pride and we will make it the Cup of Cups. The World Cup will be at home in Brazil as this is the country of football."

Blatter later backtracked by tweeting "Only 157 days to World Cup opening match in Sao Paulo. Preparations are in full swing in all 12 host cities. Brazil 2014 will be a success.

"I fully agree with @dilmabr (Rousseff) tweets today. The whole world, including me, is looking forward to the Cup of Cups. Brazil will be a great host."

Some stadiums in Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Cuiaba, Natal and Manaus failed to meet the final deadline of December 31 which FIFA set for them to be completed and put at the disposal of organisers. Organisers are yet to conclude plans on how to provide extra flights for the thousands of travelling supporters.